Shark wear

ABSTRACT

The shark wear of the present invention provides protection against aquatic predators comprising a lanyard, gloves and flippers equipped with a defensive device comprising an arrowhead having four sides, and wherein each side has a flange, and the four flanges terminate in a single point.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/864,662 filed Aug. 12, 2013, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Shark Wear.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to shark wear and, more particularly, the invention relates to shark wear presenting divers, swimmers and surfers with a method of defense should they encounter a shark, or other aquatic predator.

2. Description of the Prior Art

There are few wild animals that invoke more fear, awe, and interest than sharks. For many of those who live near or frequent beaches, the threat of a shark attack is an ever-present thought, creating a dark cloud that looms over pleasant activities such as swimming, snorkeling or diving. While there a wide variety of species of sharks, most of which pose no threat to humans, many who fear these animals visualize dangerous predators such as the Great White, Tiger and Bull shark when wading into ocean waters. Perhaps one reason the fear of sharks is so prevalent is that these creatures are among the earth's largest animals and certain species are known to attack and consume humans. Further, unlike tigers, bears and other land predators that can be shot or otherwise controlled, sharks are not easily contained by man. For most people, any shark-human interaction is most likely to occur when engaged in aquatic activities along the shore. From a statistical standpoint the chances of being attacked, injured or killed by a shark are quite rare and there are less than 100 documents shark bites each year. Nonetheless, the threat of a shark attack is one most swimmers and ocean enthusiasts would rather avoid and is a hazard that must be considered by anyone entering the marine domain.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a shark defensive device attached to a lanyard, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a shark defensive device attached to a glove, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a shark defensive device attached to a flipper, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the present invention is shark wear presenting divers, swimmers and surfers with a method of defense should they encounter a shark.

The shark wear of the present invention is a line of wearable accessories containing easily accessible defensive devices should one become face to face with a shark. This line is presented as gloves, elbow pads, knee pads, lanyards and flippers, all fashioned from a durable, waterproof, insulated material such as neoprene; this is the material most commonly used in the wetsuits worn by water enthusiasts. The above accessories, as mentioned, further comprise defense mechanisms that are mounted directly to the garments or secured to the garments via strips of the hook and loop system known as Velcro. Designed to injure an approaching shark, the defensive device is an implements comprised of a sharpened arrowhead, having four sides, and wherein each side has a flange, and the four flanges terminate in a single point, wherein each arrowhead measures between approximately two to three inches (2″-3″) in length. The arrowhead can be comprised of hard plastic.

In an alternative embodiment, the defensive device can be comprised of stainless steel, or other appropriate metal.

FIG. 1 shows a lanyard device 10 comprising lanyard 14 which clips onto bracket 16 onto which is a detachable shark defensive device 12. The lanyard clips onto the end of an elongate bracket onto a shark defensive device is removably attached near the midpoint or center of the bracket.

FIG. 2 shows a glove device 20 comprising swimmer's glove 24, onto the back of which is mounted a detachable shark defensive device 22.

FIG. 3 shows flipper device 30 comprising a swimming flipper 34 onto the heel of which is mounted a shark defensive device 32.

While each garment in the shark wear line is appropriate for use by anyone in the water, a further alternative embodiment includes a half-glove (fingerless) with spikes at the knuckles provided; this unit allows a surfer to quickly strike a shark in the eyes or fins.

Additionally, the shark wear line features a lanyard, worn around the neck that contains an arrowhead that can be snapped free and used against a predatory animal at a moment's notice.

The accessories in the line can be sold separately or offered in kit form so that wearer could completely outfit themselves in protection.

The shark wear of the present invention offers users a number of significant benefits and advantages. Foremost, the shark wear provides a simple and effective means of helping keep divers, swimmers, surfers, and even boaters safe from shark attacks. A line of wearable devices festooned with a series of sharpened spikes, the shark wear allows users to attack the shark before the animal can attack him or her; in this manner, the shark wear work to deter the animal from getting any closer to the object of its discomfort. Thus, use of the shark wear causes the shark to immediately flee the area, protecting the user from inquisitive nudges, or in worse case scenarios, painful bites or deadly shark attacks. As a result, water enthusiasts would be able to enjoy the beauty of the ocean in a more comfortable manner, confident that they will not become the latest victim of these ferocious ocean predators. As the shark wear line is envisioned to be worn as one would regular water gear, the shark wear proves unencumbersome to the wearer, allowing them to engage in aquatic activities with no hindrances. Moreover, the prominent placement of the spikes, as well as the lanyard device worn around the neck, ensures that defense is readily accessible, especially in such a case where time is crucial. Versatile in scope, the shark wear can be used against virtually any dangerous or predatory aquatic animal, whether shark, lion fish, barracuda, or, in swamp country, alligators.

The shark wear of the present invention can prevent fatal and non-fatal shark attacks the world over. Universal in design, the shark wear is ideal for wear by adults, teens and children alike.

The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein may be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which are disclosed herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for defense against aquatic predators comprising: a lanyard which clips onto an end of an elongate bracket, wherein the bracket comprises a shark defensive device which clips onto an end of an elongate bracket wherein the shark defensive device is removably attached near the midpoint of the bracket.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the shark defensive device comprises an arrowhead having four sides, and wherein each side has a flange, and the four flanges terminate in a single point.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the shark defensive device comprises hard plastic.
 4. The device of claim 2, wherein the shark defensive device comprises stainless steel.
 5. A device for defense against aquatic predators comprising: a swimmer's glove, wherein the glove further comprises a shark defensive device mounted onto the back of the glove.
 6. The device of claim 5 wherein the shark defensive device comprises an arrowhead having four sides, and wherein each side has a flange, and the four flanges terminate in a single point.
 7. The device of claim 5, wherein the shark defensive device comprises hard plastic.
 8. The device of claim 5, wherein the shark defensive device comprises stainless steel.
 9. A device for defense against aquatic predators comprising: a flipper onto the heel of which is mounted a shark defensive device.
 10. The device of claim 9 wherein the shark defensive device comprises an arrowhead having four sides, and wherein each side has a flange, and the four flanges terminate in a single point.
 11. The device of claim 9, wherein the shark defensive device comprises hard plastic.
 12. The device of claim 9, wherein the shark defensive device comprises stainless steel. 